“That is how important you are to this nation and why we want to make sure when our time passes, we can be comfortable in the knowledge we have done all we could, to leave this nation in good hands” – Speaker La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao
More than twenty young people from around the country are learning about the different functions of Parliament this week.
This is being done as part of the three-day Parliamentary Youth Programme, which began at Mulinu’u yesterday.
The programme is guided by the theme; “Your Voice: Your Parliament”.
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Speaker of the House, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao said the public outreach initiative enhances “connection and engagement between youth and parliament”.
La’auli is hopeful that at the end of the programme, the participants will “go away with improved awareness of parliamentary functions,” encouraging them to be proactive in terms of Parliament issues.
“As leaders of this nation, we feel it is our duty to make every effort to prepare our youth well for you are the future leaders of Samoa,” La’auli said.
“That is how important you are to this nation and why we want to make sure when our time passes, we can be comfortable in the knowledge we have done all we could, to leave this nation in good hands.”
La’auli added “as future leaders of this nation each and every one of you has responsibilities to ensure you contribute and answer your special calling”.
Representing Nuanua O Le Alofa (N.O.L.A) is Isaako Tufuga.
His participation on the first day session made Mr Tufuga realise there are certain steps needed to be taken before any law is implemented.
“I now understand that in order for a law to be endorsed, it needs to go through several phases and signed by the Head of State first,” said Mr Tufuga.
“I never knew it (a Bill) had to be read out three times in Parliament before it can become law.”
Pulou Fualaufu’a from Faia'ai Savai’i was grateful for the opportunity.
“All of my life I had no knowledge of the processes and how things are done in our parliament,” said Ms Fualaufu’a.
“This is a very important programme for me because what you hear on the radio is different from the reality of it...I hope to share my experience with young people of my village.”
Another participant is Sefo Sao of Gataivai Palauli-Falefa, Savai’i.
Mr Sao said the presentation from the officers of the Legislative Assembly has enlightened him on many different things.
“I didn’t know that even us out in the villages can be part of establishing a law,” said the youth.
“In my own mind I always thought that only the experts in the office of Legislative were responsible for the laws but from the presentations I found out that there is something called public consultation where we can express our views on a certain bill.”
The young people will be observing the parliament session tomorrow when it reconvenes.
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